Construction could begin soon for a new physical education facility at Moline High School. Monday night, the school board will hold a special meeting and consider awarding the project to Russell Construction for nearly 13 million dollars.
Superintendent Rachel Savage says the high school has about 2,200 students, so there are several hundred taking P.E. classes every hour, and the current gym is nowhere near big enough for all of them at one time.
"They've been really creative in using the hallways in between classrooms, and outdoors, weather permitting. But this facility will allow for many classes of P.E. to be taking place at the same time."
The current gym at the school was built in 1958.
Doctor Savage says the new addition will include a six-lane track, four courts, a weight room, multi-purpose room, and offices for coaches and other staff. And students at Moline High could begin to use it as soon as next December.
In off-hours, it could also be available to local residents.